- Author: Andrea Peck
- Editor: Noni Todd
Revolutionary Gardening
By Andrea Peck
Way back, when 2014 was simply a fuzzy and distant fancy of the imagination, I was lucky to catch a TedTalk on Facebook. Ron Finley, a South Central Los Angeles native spoke about the lack of quality food (i.e. vegetable and fruits) in Los Angeles, the difficulty of getting healthy food and the simultaneous decay in health of the resident population. “Food is the problem; food is the solution,” he says with a force of personality befitting his conviction. His solution, in his small neighborhood, was to take the strip of dirt between the sidewalk and the road and plant vegetables. But, along with a lush, edible garden came a hefty fine to the tune of $400.00. He responded with a petition containing 900 signatures and won his case, but clearly, Mr. Finley had no idea the act of revolution that would ensue. He continues his work by creating gardens all over the city, one plot at a time.
Ironically, this is not the only person I know who has struggled to plant outside the lines. My father lives in Southern California. His home lies between the ocean and the railroad tracks which is somewhat of an odd juxtaposition. His garden took a number of years to finish to his satisfaction and is now surrounded on all sides by tropical green growth. It is not uncommon for drivers to put their cars in reverse and gawk at his handiwork. But, once he branched out to the nutrient-deficient stretch of land that serves as dusty parking lot and berm between the road and railroad tracks, he was also found in contempt. At the age of 76, he has planted more than a full block of land and beautified the neighborhood. Then someone complained. He is still awaiting a letter from the city regarding a specific date and time to address the issue. Nevertheless he regularly receives compliments and continues his legacy.
And then there is my neighbor in Los Osos who dickered with the county for the better part of a year when road construction from the sewer installation threatened a good portion of his front yard – a front yard that he spends joyful hours cultivating and one that is on the yearly coastal garden tour.
I saw my neighbor not long after I watched Ron Finley’s Ted Talk. He was giddy when I mentioned his newly planted area broaching the road. He told me that he had approached the construction crew when they were working in front of his home and convinced them to leave him more, not less space.
So, this year, my resolution is this: question the restraining line – sometimes a barrier just needs a door.
Ron Finley’s Ted Talk visit: http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la.html
WHAT: ADVICE TO GROW BY: PLANTING BARE ROOT TREES AND WINTER PRUNING OF TREES AND VINES
Organization: San Luis Obispo Master Gardeners
When: Saturday, January 18, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Garden of the Seven Sisters Contact: Ron Whisenand kelpdiver@charter.net
Info: Winter is planting time for planting and pruning fruit trees, grapes, and berries. Learn tips on selecting, planting, and care of bare root trees including a pruning demonstration. Online info: http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/